What advantages did the Spitfire have?
The Spitfire’s famous elliptical wing with sunken rivets to have the thinnest possible cross-section gave the aircraft a higher top speed than most other fighters of the time. These wings also made the Spitfire one of the most agile fighters in the sky, giving them the advantage with one-on-one battles.
Why was the Spitfire so important in the Battle of Britain?
The Supermarine Spitfire played a critical role in preventing the German air force from invading Britain. Despite the Spitfire’s light weight and agile design, the 109 could out-dive the spit. At times, this would give the Messerschmitt the upper hand in battle.
How did pilots get the Battle of Britain clasp?
The following is a list of pilots and other aircrew who flew during the Battle of Britain, and were awarded the Battle of Britain Clasp to the 1939–45 Star by flying at least one authorised operational sortie with an eligible unit of the Royal Air Force or Fleet Air Arm during the period from 0001 hours on 10 July to 2359 hours 31 October 1940.
Who was the youngest pilot in the Battle of Britain?
Battle of Britain RAF Spitfire pilot Geoffrey Wellum dies. Read more about sharing. The youngest Spitfire pilot to fly in the Battle of Britain during World War Two has died, it has been announced. Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Wellum, who was just 18 when he joined the RAF in August 1939, died at his home in Cornwall on Wednesday evening aged 96.
Who was the driving force behind piloting in the Battle of Britain?
His driving force for this behaviour during the battle was very personal – his wife and young son. He told fellow Battle of Britain pilot Alan Deere that his family ‘gave him an absolutely definite thing to fight for and defend’ during those intense months.
How many British pilots were killed in the Battle of Britain?
The Roll of Honour within the Chapel contains the names of 1,497 pilots and aircrew killed or mortally wounded during the Battle. Nothing was done officially, however, to define the qualifications for the classification of a Battle of Britain airman until 9 November 1960.